Great Smoky Mtns NP 900

[runbum]

Anyone attempted to do all the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park all in a row?

[OnACoffeeBreak]

For what it's worth, here're reflections of David Worth (current SCAR FKT) who's started with the goal of hiking/running all of the trails in The Smokies:

abackofbeyond.blogspot.com/2012/04/finishing-map-final-100-miles.html

[daworth21]

A few local folks have tossed around the concept of a speed attempt of all GSMNP trails, but as far as I know no one has completed all the trails in one continuous effort. Most finish the map as a series of day hikes.

The people at www.900miler.com would be the best source of info.

[runbum]

mr worth will you send me an email... I have some questions for you.
THANKS!
[e-mail]

[soway]

Benny Brandon "Plug-It In" just completed it in 76 days. Admin can this be confirmed as a FKT? Here's a link to his FB - m.facebook.com/plugitinontheat/

Ps. Should the thread name be changed to Smoky 900 or gsmnp 900 or a new one started?

[Peter Bakwin]

Sure - no one has reported a faster completion so that's the FKT.

[Benny "Plug-it" Braden]

I began my #fastestgsmnp900miler on Dec. 31, 2016 and completed it on Mar. 18, 2017. My FKT is currently 2 months and 19 days or 78 days. I will be doing this hike again in the fall and looking to take this time under 1.5 months or 45 days. To my understanding the 900 Miler Club only recognizes hiking the trails and not trail running. You can check my Facebook page "Plug-it In on the Appalachian Trail" to see the trip reports and pics from this hike.

[jwoody]

Benny. The 900 Mile Club doesn't differentiate regarding pace. Completion of the park's miles could be at a very slow walk or run. Either way, the main goal is to complete the trails. This is consistent with the FKTs on the AT. Recall that Jennifer Phar-Davis hiked her way to a speed record that was later bested by Scott Jurek, who ran much of it...and later Karl Meltzer. I understand the moniker in the 900 Club title. I have 4 completions of trails under my belt (working on #5) and many of those miles were run.

[Benny "Plug-it In" Braden]

Thank you jwoo for clearing that up and congratulations on your completed maps. To update my last post, I did complete my 2nd map (gsmnp900miler) in the fall of 2017. I started 10/14/17 and finished 11/25/17. This FKT thru-hike of the GSMNP was 100% hiked with no trail running. As of right now and to the best of my knowledge I hold the fastest known time of 43 days and the lowest miles of 924.3. Also to the best of my knowledge I know of only one other person (Sharon Spezia) who has completed 2 maps in a single year. I was supported with shuttles when needed.

Jwoo, do you know of anyone else who has started and finished 2 maps in a single year?

[Benny "Plug-it In" Braden]

Feb 8, 2018 5:17:42 GMT -5 Benny said:

Thank you jwoody for clearing that up and congratulations on your completed maps. To update my last post, I did complete my 2nd map (gsmnp900miler) in the fall of 2017. I started 10/14/17 and finished 11/25/17. This FKT thru-hike of the GSMNP was 100% hiked with no trail running. As of right now and to the best of my knowledge I hold the fastest known time of 43 days and the lowest miles of 924.3. Also to the best of my knowledge I know of only one other person (Sharon Spezia) who has completed 2 maps in a single year. I was supported with shuttles when needed.

Jwoody, do you know of anyone else who has started and finished 2 maps in a single year?

[jwoody]

Benny:

Congrats my friend on the new record! That is an impressive accomplishment and very efficient on your mileage...something I haven't yet mastered I'm not aware of anyone having completed two maps in one year. It is possible I may get there this year, depending on how the 2018 race schedule and other adventures unfold. I'm hoping to complete Map #5 in late February or early March. Map #6 in '18? Maybe.